Jaime Munguía’s camp maintains failed drug test due to ‘contamination’ after B-sample is also found positive

Jaime Munguía has promised that he is 'going to prove' that he 'never disrespected the sport' of boxing after a failed drug test, with the former world champion now awaiting a hearing with the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC). 

Shortly after avenging last year’s shock defeat to Bruno Surace with victory in May’s rematch, news broke that the Mexican fighter had returned an adverse A-sample, with exogenous testosterone detected in his system. 

The B-sample has returned the same findings, leaving Munguía to wait for a ruling from the BBBofC. The BBBofC oversaw the fight, just as it oversaw proceedings on the entire Canelo-Scull card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In a statement from Munguía’s team, it was again claimed that the former world champion’s positive results were due to contamination. 

The statement began: “We can confirm that Jaime Munguía’s B-sample has been opened and analysed, and consistent with the A-sample, was also positive. Jaime was present in Utah for the opening of the B-sample, demonstrating his respect for the process and his full commitment to transparency and cooperation at every step." 

It added: “We want to reiterate that this outcome does not change our position: Jaime did not knowingly or intentionally ingest any banned substance. We remain steadfast in the belief that this result was caused by contamination, and we are continuing to take every possible step to identify the source.” 

Munguía’s camp indicated that they will now look for any potential source of contamination. 

The statement continued: “At this stage, we are still awaiting clarification from specialists regarding the specific levels detected in the samples. As the next step, our team is submitting a list of all supplements and products Jaime used to a VADA-accredited laboratory for testing. This is critical in helping determine how the substance may have entered his system and ensuring the integrity of the review."

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28-year-old Munguía himself added: “I have spent my entire career and life doing things the right way — and this is no exception. I love boxing, and I am the first one who wants to clear everything up because boxing is my life."

He went on: “I can’t wait to get back in the ring. We’re going to prove that we never disrespected the sport, my opponents, or misled the fans.” 

At the time of the A-sample returning an adverse finding, Munguía’s opponent Surace told The Independent: "At this stage, it’s important to let the proper process take place and wait for the results of the B sample. Everyone deserves due process, even in a situation as serious as this one.

"That said," he added, "if the positive result is confirmed, it would be deeply disappointing coming from a fighter of Jaime Munguía’s stature. Champions are meant to set the standard, not compromise the integrity of the sport.

He continued: “Our fight was meant to be a great moment for boxing: two top athletes giving everything in the ring. If he knowingly used a banned substance, it taints not only the result, but also the meaning of our rivalry. We’re monitoring the situation closely and will act accordingly depending on how things develop."

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